Sveitarstjórna

Sveitarstjórna is the Icelandic term for a municipal council. It is the primary legislative and executive body of a municipality in Iceland. The council is responsible for governing the local affairs of the municipality, including urban planning, public services, and local taxation. Members of the sveitarstjórna are elected by the residents of the municipality in direct elections, typically held every four years.

The number of members on a sveitarstjórna varies depending on the size and population of the municipality. Larger municipalities have more representatives. The council operates through meetings where proposals are debated and voted upon. Key responsibilities include setting the municipal budget, approving development plans, and overseeing the implementation of local policies. The council also appoints committees to handle specific areas of municipal administration.

The mayor, or 'bæjarstjóri'/'sveitarstjóri', is usually elected by the sveitarstjórna itself from among its members, or in some cases directly elected by the populace. The mayor presides over council meetings and acts as the chief executive of the municipality. The sveitarstjórna plays a crucial role in ensuring the provision of essential services such as schools, healthcare, and infrastructure to the local population, and its decisions directly impact the daily lives of residents.